JAZZ SAXOPHONIST JAMES MOODY PASSED ON

Image via Wikipedia

James Moody was born in Savannah, Georgia on March 26, 1925. His family moved to Newark New Jersey, because Georgia school system wanted to put him in a retarded school. Just because he was partially deaf. Moody did not like to be called James he like just Moody. His uncle gave him a alto sax as a gift, when he turned 16. A couple of years later Moody went to see the Count Basie Band at the Adams Theater in Newark, New Jersey. After hearing Buddy Tate and Don Byas perform he fell under the spell of the full-bodied tenor saxophone.

Moody join the US Army Air Corps in 1943, he played in the Negro band on a segregated base. When he was discharged from the military in 1946 he played be-bop with Dizzy Gillespie for two years. In 1948 he recorded with Blue Note Records, that same year he relocated to Europe. Moody lived there for three years. He said he was “ scarred by racism”. While over in Europe he recorded “Moody’s Mood for Love”. On this recording he added the alto sax to his repertoire and this established him as recording artist.

Moody was a part of the growth of European jazz. Moody was sued by Jimmy McHugh the original author of “I’m in the Mood for Love” for copyright infringement and lost. Moody and Jimmy eventually agreed to share the proceeds on sales of any version of the tune.

Some of the artist who recorded their own versions of the tune were King Pleasure in 1954, Van Morrison, George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Queen Latifah, Tito Puente, Kermit Ruffins, The Ray Gelato Giants, Amy Winehouse and George Fame. Quincy Jones in 1995 released a multi harmony version of the track on his Q’s Jook Joint album featuring my all time favorite Take Six in collaboration with Brian Mcknight. The Jersey Boys musical featured the song and it was also feature on a episode of The Cosby Show. Moody in

2005 established the Moody Scholarship Fund at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College- SUNY-State University of New York.

 James Moody passed on, on December 9, 2010 from complications of pancreatic cancer. I never got to see James Moody in person, but listening to his music is truly a joy. Moody your up there with the greats now continue to blow your horn. You will be missed, but his music will live on.

LM

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moody%27s_Mood_for_Love#Cover_versions

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_Vj_CJJjvI&feature=fvsr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjv8tOJoBbE

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Pamela Rose: Jazz Artist Celebrates Women Songwriters

Pamela Rose: Jazz Artist Celebrates Women Songwriters

By Shelah Moody

Photo: Courtesy of Pamela Rose

            Pamela Rose is one of the Bay Area’s most prolific jazz and blues artists.  Along with being a vocalist, Rose is also an accomplished arranger, songwriter and organist who has toured with the late Merl Saunders and the Zasu Pitts Memorial Orchestra to name a few.

“I love San Francisco and the Bay Area, said Rose, who is married to Steven Dinkelspiel, publisher of “San Francisco” magazine. “I didn’t grow up here, but I feel like it’s the only place I’d want to live.”

            This week, Rose will bring her multi-media show, “Wild Women of Song,” which celebrates some of America’s finest female songwriters, including Peggy Lee, to Yoshi’s, Oakland (Nov. 9) and the Kuumbwa Jazz Center in Santa Cruz (Nov. 11).

Rose will be backed by a predominantly female band which includes Tammy Hall (piano), Kristen Strom (saxophone), Ruth Davies (bass), Kent Bryson (drums) and Jeff Massanari (guitar).

Q: Tell us about your show, “Wild Women of Song…”

A: It’s not just the music; it’s a whole research project and a very different kind of jazz show.  About a year ago, I recorded an album called “Wild Women of Song: Gal Composers of the Jazz Era,” which was focused on the jazz standards and the American songbooks that were written by women. Songwriters are very important to me. I realized that I knew almost nothing about these women, unless they were famous singers. As an   old literature major, I started digging around, and I was totally fascinated about the research that popped up. What I’ll be doing at (my shows) is a multi-media show.  I project these photo archives of these women and tell their stories and then we perform the music. It’s a jazz and blues show for sure with some great local men and women performers. It’s also a larger educational project that tells compelling stories. We did the show in London and at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. We’ll be performing at the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society and at Feinstein’s in New York in January. There are a lot of exciting things happening for this show. We love these gals. These are some pretty feisty, prolific, hard working women and it’s kind of wonderful to get in their heads.                    

Q: Tell us about some of these women songwriters that you will be celebrating.

A: For instance, there’s Doris Fisher, who wrote a lot of great songs like “You Always Hurt the One You Love,” “Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall” and “Put the Blame on Mame.” She was actually called the Queen of the Juke Box, because she wrote so many hit songs. In terms of songwriting royalties, she completely trumped her father and brothers by being gold. Then, she had this fascinating after music life where she became interested in antiques had a little antique store in L.A.  Jackie Kennedy actually had her flown out to help consult about decorating the White House; she was so impressed with her.

Another would be Kay Swift. She was not as prolific as some as these women, but she wrote “Fine and Dandy” and “Can We Be Friends.” The interesting thing about her is that she had a very public and interesting relationship with George Gershwin, her romantic and musical soul mate. Her handwriting and suggestions appeared on Gershwin’s manuscripts from the day they met. Gershwin’s family acknowledges that a lot of his productivity was amazing probably because of her helping him. All the stories are on wildwomenofsong.com.  

Q: Out of all the songs written by women composers, which are your favorites?

A: Oh, it changes every time. Right now, I’m really loving “Just for a Thrill,” which was written by Lil Hardin Armstrong; it’s a ballad that she wrote as a torch song for her husband, Louis Armstrong. Lil was one of the first jazz pianists. She was playing with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz band in Chicago in the 1920s, before (Louis) joined the band.

Q: What was it like working with Merl Sanders?

A: Merl got me my start, really. I was so young when he took me on the road with him. He was so patient with me, because I was so green. I’m kind of crazy about the Hammond B3 organ and I still play with a couple of local organist. Merl really got me hooked on that particular instrument.

Pamela Rose performs:

Tonight, 8:00 p.m, Yoshi’s 's Jazz Club,  510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland.  www.yoshis.com/oakland.

Thursday, Nov 11, 7:00 p.m, Kuumbwa Jazz Center, 320 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, www. www.kuumbwajazz.org.

For more information, go to http://www.pamelarose.com.

CLUB SQUISITO

CLUB SQUISITO is a jazz-duo composed by Valerio Semplici, member of Black Box - band which dominated the dance scene for a ten year period from 80 to 90's year, and which with the successfull hit "Ride on Time" climbed the musical charts all around the world - and by Mirco (B)ertani, a professional dj and radio anchorman. Club Squisito received excellent reviews by the italian specialized press for the first single in own Menu EP, and received many other positives reactions on differtent internet blogs. The track entered into the first 10 singles hit parade of the singles sold on Juno UK.The second track "Fade Away" has been insterted into the compilation "Styled in Italy Volume 2"edited by Stefanno Cecchi Records. The third single "Miss You EP" is a sale success in Japan and has been broadcasted by ZIP FM. The consacration for the 2 artists arrived with the double vinyl Naked, with the featuring of Zhana Saunders, New Yorker vocalist, who collaboraed with big american artists and band (like DEEE-LITE, BILL LASWELL, MASTERS AT WORK). Naked is comprising 8 versions which range over from the deep house to the jazz, with electro-funk injections.The Odyze's versions are to emphasize, he is an italian artist transplant to New York since many years. His versions are a ambient-pop with a strong emotional mark. Naked has been chosen for the compilation "Fashion Week", which collects the range of the most famous musics used for the fashion shows of New York, London, Milan, Paris and in the compilation "Fashion Clinic", launched in Portugal for the famous fashion and cosmetic Company.The new CD "MAMAYOMA" is a fusion of jazz,electronic music and pop... received excellent reviews In all the Club Squisito's publications there is the artistic/compositive presence and cooperation of Barbara Truzzi, alias Barbara O’Neil. . The production of Club Squisito supported by: CHARLES WEBSTER, ROCCO, MOODYMAN, BEN WATT, TOM MIDDLETON, JIMPSTER, HIDEO KOBAYASHI... In December 2010 forthcoming double cd "WELCOME TO THE CLUB" 2005/2010 CONTAINS THE BEST TRACKS BY CLUB SQUISITO and unreleased
track "BABY TRIP"



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXZ8OAo_0kM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oNOPeuLYVE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nnml09iQFUQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfdwj_8Rhc4

Michelle I . New Host of the Jazz Cafe

Originally from the East Coast, Michelle I now lives in Santa Clara, California. Michelle became a fan of jazz at the age of 10, listening to tunes of Coltrane, Ramsey Lewis, Booker T & MG’s and other great artist. She extended her music appreciation by playing music through high school. It wasn’t until her college days that fell in love with the Contemporary Jazz Sounds of Noel Pointer, Earl Klugh, Yellow Jackets, Joe Sample, Quincy Jones and other.  Michelle later went on to produce/write/direct her own Jazz Show called the Jazz Scene which feature local jazz artist and national Jazz Artist such as her idol Ramsey Lewis, Art Porter, Masa, Stanley Clark, Jean-Luc Ponty,  Al De Meola just to name a few.

Now she’s back in the Jazz Scene hosting The Jazz Café, sharing her love of jazz and inside knowledge of the Jazz World.

MONDAY MICHIRU

Born August 19, 1963 in Tokyo, Japan, Monday Michiru was named by her parents, jazz pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi and jazz saxophonist Charlie Mariano, to reflect both her Japanese and American heritage. With music obviously in her
blood, Monday showed interest in the arts from an early age, studying modern dance and ballet from the age of 8, and classical flute from 11 years of age.
After winning first place in several local flute competitions in Los Angeles, she attended the National Music Camp in Interlochen, Michigan and was recognized for her talent and awarded a scholarship from both the Armstrong Flute Association and Interlochen Arts Academy to attend the prestigious school full
time, which she did from 1979-1981. During her years at IAA, she studied the flute and also minored in voice and performed with the school orchestra, choir and choral groups.
After graduating IAA, Monday shifted her studies from the classical flute and began concentrating on the voice more seriously. In 1987, she was scouted by a young Japanese movie director, Shinji Somai, to appear as a lead in his movie“Hikaru Onna” (“Luminous Woman”) about an opera singer; Mr. Somai was
infamous in Japan for starring unknown young people who had never had previous experience in acting. Monday decided to move to Japan to coincide with the filming of the movie, which entered the International Tokyo Film Festival in 1987, earning honorable mention for Best Actress. She debuted in the film under the stage name Michiru Akiyoshi which earned her Best New Actress
awards from Kinema Junpo, The Japan Academy, and the Yokohama Film Festival.
At the urging of her management company in Japan, she continued in her newfound and unexpected film career, expanding into other fields such as radio DJ, modeling, appearing on television as a “personality,” and even tried her hand
at journalism. It was in 1991 that she finally had the opportunity to reroute her endeavors back to her roots in music and released her debut solo album. By 1993, Monday steadily began recording and releasing albums in Japan and later in Europe, Australia, and South America, both solo and as a featured singer/writer for groups such as DJ Krush, Mondo Gross, Kyoto Jazz Massive,
Cosmic Village, Basement Jaxx and many others. She has also produced and remixed tracks for other artists. Monday has appeared in numerous music festivals and clubs both in Japan and Europe, including the Greater Tokyo Music Festival at Honmonji, Tokyo (2003), the Okayama Jazz Festival (2003), the Blue
Note Clubs in New York and throughout Japan, the Newport Jazz Festival in Madarao (1999), The Baltic Jazz Festival (1999), North Sea Jazz Festival (1997), Montreux Jazz Festival (1997), Stuttgart Jazz Festival (1997), The Phoenix
Festival (1996), Beppu Jazz Festival (1995), etc.
Monday Michiru now resides in New York and continues to record, produce and tour with her own group.

http://www.mondaymichiru.com/default.aspx?langID=1http://www.mondaymichiru.com/default.aspx?langID=1

Maceo Parker & Marcus Miller At the San Jose Jazz Festival

Maceo Parker via last.fm

Maceo Parker and Marcus Miller At the San Jose Jazz Festival

Maceo Parker has stood the test of time. His early beginnings with James Brown, made him known as the early pioneer of the funk and hip-hop we still dance to today. It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon at San Jose Jazz Festival. Maceo blew his Sax horn like nobody I ever heard, the man is Funky, Jazzy and Bluesy. Maceo’s band was tight, the songs “Sing A Simple Song and  “Uptown Up” had the crowd on there feet. Maceo tribute to Ray Charles  “What I Say” was great. Maceo had this female singer, she put me in mind of Erykah Badu and Michele Chrisette she was so jazzy, bluesy and funky. In my opinion Maceo Parker gets better with age. He truly turned out the San Jazz Festival.

Maceo opened for Bass player Marcus Miller. Marcus Miller had some young musician backing him up. Most of the musician were in there Twenties. He had this Twenty Two year old Sax player, that young boy could blow that Sax. The drummer was driving every song and the keyboards were great.

Marcus Miller performed some of the music of Miles Davis, including “Tutu”, from the 1986 album Miller wrote and produce for the jazz legend.

Marcus Miller gave San Jose a taste of real jazz. I can say that the 2010 San Jose Jazz Festival was one that I won’t forget. I really enjoyed the people and the food.

http://maceoparker.com/biography.html

LM

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NATE PRUITT JAZZ VOCALIST

NATE PRUITT JAZZ VOCALIST

Nate Pruitt is a local Jazz Vocalist that I  had the pleasure of meeting some years ago, when my husband was performing together with Nate at Club Garden City, the former jazz hub of San Jose. Nate is acclaimed to be the finest jazz scatting vocalist on the west coast, after hearing him perform in person I truly believe it. Nate is known for his trade mark deep Southern yodel. Nate met guitarist Rick Vandivier when he was performing at Club Garden City and formed the duo Primary Colors. This duo often featuring great musician throughout the bay area, one that comes to mind is drummer Bryant Mills.

Nate also has recorded on Steve Czarnecki Soul Jazz Quintet in 1997, Soul Rendezvous in 2001,  with A little Night music Late One Night in 1983 and Sitting Ducks in 1984. Nate’s music has been featured in  movies The Lost Man with Sidney Poitier and Mad City with John Travolta and Dustin Hoffman. Nate has appeared at the Monterey Jazz & Blues Festival.

Nate loves and shares is music with his students, he teaches at Gavilan college in Gilroy. He also teaches privately as well. Nate lives in Morgan Hill if your lucky and you happened to be in Morgan Hill at D’Vine Jazz & Wine you might catch Primary Colors. Nate Pruitt one of the best jazz vocalist of our time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJ2AeY46C9Y&feature=related

http://www.primarycolorsmusic.com/nate.html

Patricia Barber

Cover of The Cole Porter Mix

Barber was born in Chicago, Illinois, but was raised in South Sioux City, Nebraska by parents who were both professional musicians as well.  Her father, 'Floyd "Slim" Barber' is actually a former member of the great 'Glenn Miller's' band.

Her musical repertoire includes original compositions styled mostly after classic rock, including "Ode To Billie Joe", "A Taste Of Honey", and "Black Magic Woman".

For more than two decades, Barber, based in Chicago, has led her own band, and released a series of highly acclaimed, strikingly singular albums dating back to 1992's break out hit "Distortion Of Love", which featured her rendition of 'Smoky Robinson's pop hit "My Girl".

No one else was recording contemporary pop tunes in a jazz-like vein until then!  "I feel like a postmodern pioneer", says Barber.  "Back then the old distinctions between popular music and jazz were falling away, and the key hurdle was convincing listeners that there was life...after the era of iconic stars like 'Sarah Vaughan', 'Peggy Lee', 'Carmen McRae', and 'Ella Fitzgerald', she explains.

"In spite of lamenting the loss of Sarah, Peggy, Carmen, and Ella, and despite people simply ignoring change and wanting to own the music, it refused to be contained....and found its way, like water coursing through rocks!"

As Barber continued cutting albums throughout the '90's and into the next millennium, she also became known for writing intelligent, yet, sometimes complex songs with witty lyrics.  Her 2006 release called "Mythologies" provides one of the best examples of this style.

It is a set of songs based on 'Ovid's Metamorphoses'.  "Ovid" was a Roman poet who, in these verses, describes the history of the world from creation to the reign of Julius Caesar.  Believe it or not, this mythico-historic jazz album won brilliant reviews from 'Jazz Times' and "Down Beat" magazines, calling it intellectually stimulating,and thus declaring Barber the most interesting singer-songwriter-pianist on the American jazz scene!

She would go on to release two more albums, including 2008's "The Cole Porter Mix', a collection of her unique takes on the classic 'Cole Porter Songbook'.  "Porter has always been my songwriting idol!"  I love his music, and have been singing his songs since I was a kid", says Barber.

With this latest mix of songs, Barber adds just one more remarkable chapter to a career that continues to explore intriguing, improvisational terrain.  Indeed, Patricia Barber has become the vanguard of female vocalists and instrumentalists!

Thanks, and check out Patricia Barber on "Streetwise Radio's" Jazz Cafe!

Sincerely,  PeteCam4

Spyro Gyra

Spyro Gyra via last.fm

 

 

Spyro Gyra became a famous jazz fusion group during the late 1970's, with a unique, instrumental sound that combines smooth jazz with elements of R&B, funk, and pop music.  Their cheerful blend of percussion, piano, saxophone, and guitar immediatly caught my own ear, as I remember listening constantly during my college years....and bying their first three albums! My favorite was "Morning Dance" which played on every popular radio station back then, as its hit single helped propel them to national, and international fame. Spyro Gyra went on to release 25 albums, selling over 10-million copies.... which made them one of the most prolific, commercially successful groups on the jazz scene. The band was originally formed by alto saxophonist and song writer Jay Beckenstein, who met keyboardist Jeremy Wall in highschool, where the two began playing outdoor, summer concerts in their hometown of Buffalo, New York. They performed instrumental covers of mostly R&B songs before finally hitting the Buffalo club scene in their college years, adding bassist Jim Kurzdorfer and drummer Tom Walsh to the group, as well as asking guest players to join their early jam sessions.  "Buffalo was like a mini Chicago back then", says bandleader Beckenstein--"with smokin blues, jazz, soul, and even rockabilly scene, of all things"..  After a few years, the 'Spyro Gyra' sound evolved into what pianist Wall called a "gutbucket of rhythmic tradition....an oddball mix of simple music, and esoteric stuff that became our own groove". Sharing that groove were other artists, many becoming  intermittant and short term band members over the years....including Umbopa Latimer, Tom Schumann, Alfred Rapillo, Rick Strauss, Tom Walsh, Tom Duffy, Dave Samuels, Rubens Bassini, Ted Reinhardt, Gerardo Valez, Mark Quinonez, Scott Ambush, and Chet Catallo. As Spyro Gyra's popularity sky-rocketed, they began playing everywhere, not just New York, but around the country, and the world....averaging over 100 touring dates a year-- a pace that continues to this day! Over the past 30-years the majority of thier 25 albums and 3 compilation box-sets have cracked 'Billboard's' top 20 list, along with 12 "Grammy Award" nominations! With the exception on founder Beckenstein and keyboardist Tom Schulmann, Spyro Gyra's personnel has changed somewhat over time, however, thier touring stamina has not!  They're playing in Washington, D.C. right now, and then off to Jacksonville, Atlanta, Temecula, California, and Mexico...before heading up to Canada, back east through July....and on to Norway by mid-August.  Let's just hope they never change that name!  I've often wondered how they ever came up with "Spyro Gyra"?  I finally found out while writing this blog!  "Spirogyra" is actually a sickly-green colored algae that Beckenstein wrote a paper on in college biology class.  One night in Buffalo, a club owner forced him to name his band (immediatly) for some promotional sign! Beckenstein quickly blurted out the name of that algae, and the club owner miss-spelled it SPYRO GYRA. The name, and the band, stuck..around-- to entertain jazz audiences for three decades, and for many more decades to come! Thanks, and tune into the JAZZ CAFE on Streetwise Radio! Sincerely, PeteCam4

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Marcus Williams

It is not often that a new icon of music emerges, Marcus Williams is sure to be one of the next jazz icons to hit the music scene in years. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Marcus was born and raised in a musical family. His father was a highly trained jazz drummer and educator; while his sister studied classical piano. Marcus musical foundation is based on the jazz, and R&B style. Later on in years, he was awarded a scholarship to attend the world renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston Mass. After school, Marcus took his time working with a number of top-notch media companies; composing and producing music for many projects. He has produced music for media giants such as Virgin Entertainment, Columbia Tri Star Pictures, Discovery Channel, 20th Century Fox Entertainment and many more.

After recording and producing music professionally for 15 years Marcus took back to his first instrument and love the trumpet. He started to focus on his first solo cd titled Unspoken Words, released under his private record label MYWPMUSIC Records. He has since recorded his first commercial success cd titled Secrets.’Marcus’ style is ever changing as this multi talented producer/composer records out of his private studio located in Bali Indonesia. Marcus records exclusively on his record label and production company MYWPMUSIC Media Group USA. Be sure to hear the man, the music, and sound of Marcus Williams ~ Jenny Mcbride ~ Jazz Globla Media

Where to Buy: Amazon.com,  Mywpmusic.com

Streetwise Radio Welcomes Al Capone

Al/Capone is a high-energy six-piece smooth jazz band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Al/Capone’s music, a mixture of jazz, R&B, funk, fusion and Latin, is contemporary and melody driven while always remaining true to its jazz roots.

Al/Capone’s latest project, an eleven song album entitled “Mr. Smooth,” features an all star lineup showcasing the talents of Alex Ligertwood (Santana, Billy Cobham, and Average White Band), Dean Brown, (David Sanborn, Brecker Brothers), Steven Wolf (Steely Dan, Grover Washington, Jr., Gil Evans Orchestra) and producer/keyboardist Jason Miles (Miles Davis, Sting, Luther Vandross).

At the heart of the group are Al/Capone founding members Jeep Capone (drums, percussion, keyboards, vocals) and Allen Young (trumpet, flugelhorn, valve trombone, EVI, keyboards, vocals). Rounding out the ensemble is a group of exceptionally talented players from the Minneapolis area including Jason Craft, keyboards, Peter Vircks, saxophone and flute, Vincent Rose, guitar, Chris Lomheim, keyboards, Mark Hoyt, background vocals and Graydon Peterson, bass.

Al/Capone is on the CC Entertainment label out of Minneapolis. Radio play promotion for “Mr. Smooth” is being handled by All That Jazz, Inc. of Las Vegas. Al/Capone is already receiving airplay on a number of stations. In fact, Al/Capone has been one of the top three smooth jazz bands in the United States in additions to radio station play lists since All That Jazz, Inc. began its push of “Mr. Smooth” two weeks ago. The first week “Mr. Smooth” came in second, missing the number one spot by one addition. During week two, Al/Capone came in third. We are very excited about this strong showing, and will have more news in the weeks and months to come.

With powerful writing and a superstar lineup, Al/Capone and its album “Mr. Smooth” is a jazz force which must be experienced.

Please feel free to call or email us with any comments or questions you may have, and we sincerely hope you enjoy our music.

Welcome to the Family!

Jeep Capone

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Stanley Jordan

Stanley Jordan via last.fm

Stanley Jordan is a 50-year old American jazz guitarist from Chicago, Illinois, who is one of the most educated, deep-thinking musicians of his time!  He started studying and playing the piano at age six, before shifting focus to the guitar when he was eleven.

Jordan soon began playing in rock and soul bands, before winning his first award at the 'Reno Jazz Festival' in 1976, however, even more amazing was his rise to educational heights.  In 1981, Jordan received a BA degree in digital music composition from Princeton University, and another degree from Harvard by the end of that same year...while at the same time playing guitar with Benny Carter and Dizzy Guillespie.

It was during this time that Jordan also developed a now-famous "tapping" technique with his guitar by hammering the string against the fret board with your finger, where-by you can produce a note with one hand.

"You don't need to pluck or strum, because the impact of the string hitting the fret causes the string to vibrate", assures Jordan.  "You can use either hand or both, tapping simultaneously and performing independant parts, which easily produces a level of musical and orchestral complexity found only on keyboard instruments".

"I've used the technique on Fender Stratocasters, Gibson Les Pauls and ES-175's, Travis Beans, and others.  Chances are you can apply the technique to your own guitar with a few minor adjustments".

Jordan credits 1950's guitarist Jimmy Webster as the first to use this approach, and claims this "touch" technique(now used world-wide) provides limitless possibilities for musical exploration on the guitar.

During the 1980's, Jordan toured the jazz festival circuit playing at the 'Kool and Montreaux International' festivals, and the 'Concord Jazz Festival' in California....while also jamming with Quincy Jones, Michael Urbaniak, and Richie Cole.

However, since working at 'Birdland Jazz Club' in New York through 1990, Jordan has kept a low profile after becoming upset with several music factions who wanted to claim the "Jordan" sound as their own...thus placing market constraints and demands on him and his music.

But, through it all Jordan has managed to put out thirteen albums, the most notable and recent called "State of Nature".  It is a series of guitar instrumentals that reflect on the relationship between humankind and the natural world.

Through music, Jordan tries to address Man's inharmony toward self, other, and nature....using music to illuminate answers to questions like: "How can we be so knowingly destructive to the enviornment and yet not change our ways, and how might we develop ourselves on the inside to become more harmonious with nature"? Pretty deep for a jazz guitarist!

Jordan's hit single on the album 'Steppin Out', was one of two in his career nominated for Grammy's for Best Pop Instrumental.  Following a brief marriage, Jordan had a 26-year old daughter named Julia,  a singer/song writer living Los Angeles,California who recently released an album called 'Urban Legacy'... which won positive reviews in 2007.

As for Stanley Jordan, he currently lives in Sedona, Arizona and is entrenched in the deep study of music therapy, after becoming a spokesperson for the the American Music Therapy Association.  Not surprisingly, he also attends Arizona State University and is working on a Masters degree in, what else...music therapy!  

Thanks, and keep listening to Streetwise Radio!

PeteaCam4

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George Duke

Image by Haags Uitburo via Flickr

George Duke was born on January 12, 1946 in San Rafael California. George Duke went to Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, he earned a bachelor’s degree in music from San Francisco Conservatory in 1967. George Duke was raised in Marin City. When he was four years old his mother took him to a Duke Ellington concert, he said his mother told him he went crazy. George said his mother said he ran around saying ’Get me a piano, get me a piano!’ He started studying the piano at the age seven, absorbing his black roots in his local Baptist Church, he said “That’s when I started playing funky”. George Duke teamed up with a young singer named Al Jarreau they formed a group which be became the house band at Half Note Club in San Francisco. George later received a Masters Degree in composition from San Francisco University and taught a course on Jazz And American Culture at Merrit Junior College in Oakland. George Duke heard on a local jazz station that violinist Jean-Luc Ponty was coming to California to record, he sent a tape and a note to Dick Bock at World Pacific Records saying “There is no other pianist for this guy but me”, I guess when your George Duke you have that kind of clout. George made a name for himself with the album The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio. The first time I saw George Duke was at ‘Soul on the Green’ concert at the Oakland Stadium in the summer of 1979. When he came out playing “Dukey Stick” the crowd went wild, that was truly one of my highlights that summer. In the mid 1970s George appeared on a number of Frank Zappa’s albums, Chunga’s Revenge, 200 Motel, Waka/Jawaka, The Grand Wazoo, Apostrophe, Over-Nite Sensation, One Size Fits All, Bongo Fury and Roxy & Elsewhere. George Duke became a solo artist in 1976 with his fusion oriented LP’s ‘From Me To You‘ and in 1978 his funk flavored album ‘Reach For It’ this made George reach high on the charts from small clubs to large arenas George Duke other collaboration include Stanley Clark, Billy Cobham, Cannonball Adderley, his cousin Dianne Reeves, Deniece Williams Jeffrey Osborne, George Clinton, Anita Baker, Regina Belle, Rachelle Ferrell, Marilyn Scott and Mike Mainieri’s fusion group Step Ahead. George Duke was also producer and composer on two of Miles Davis tracks “Backyard Ritual” and “Cobra”.

George latest project is George Duke ‘Dukey Treats’, I like “Every Day Hero’ it is funky. Today is George Dukes birthday, Happy Birthday George God Bless and Keep Bringing The Funk .

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Duke

http://www.georgeduke.com/biography.html

LM